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What Support Act does
Since its inception SAL has provided assistance to many people involved in the music industry and has not had to reject any eligible application. Because of limited funding and the volume of applications, our current policy is to provide a maximum annual benefit to each applicant. Funds are provided to cover such things as utilities and service providers – we do not pay money direct to an individual.
It is important that any enquiry or request for help is directed to the National Welfare Coordinator who will assist with the application process. No help can be given, or the application process started, without contacting the NWC. Contact details are listed in the Contacts page or under Apply for Assistance.
Anyone can apply. SAL has its own criteria which is determined by its Board (Statement of Policy covering the Provision of Relief to Recipients).
An applicant can be any person who has earned his or her living from music for the greater part of his or her adult working life or any person who has been continuously self employed for at least the last ten (10) years in categories including but not limited to the following:
| Composer | Writer/Lyricist/Arranger |
| Performer | Agent/Promoter |
| Manager | Sound Engineer/Producer |
| Music Journalist | Road Crew Member |
Details of each application for assistance is sent out to a Casework Committee made up of members of the Australian music business. None of the Casework members are aware of the applicant's name and judge the needs of each applicant anonymously based on the circumstances of each particular case.
Applications come from both male and female, young and old, and can cover the need to pay funeral expenses, utilities, schooling for children, musical equipment hire, music instruments, computers, auto repairs, medical fees, and respite care.
SAL always endeavours to provide the most practical assistance on an applicant by applicant basis.
With an evergrowing number of people seeking assistance and ongoing help, SAL's most important task is to raise funds and a number of functions are held each year for this purpose. In the past these have included profits from the successful FanFest series of concerts in Tamworth each year, together with the receipt of donations from various Foundations and Trusts.
In 2006 at the inaugural "Music in The House" function at NSW Parliament house hosted by Virginia Judge MP and attended by Premier Morris Iemma, Jimmy Barnes was honoured for his many years of charity work on behalf of the broader community and this has now become an annual event.
At the "Music In The House" function, Billy Thorpe outlined his ambitious plans to help SAL raise millions of dollars in the future to enable much broader ranges of long term help. Billy planned to announce these plans early 2007 and was appointed to the SAL Board just a week before his untimely death. The Board has continued to work towards fulfilling Billy's dream and the Billy Thorpe Foundation was announced at 2008's Music in the House.
Details of all national fundraising events are listed on the Events page on this site.
Under the guidance of Brian Cadd, SAL's Interstate Coordinator, volunteer branches have opened successfully in South Australia (SALSA), Victoria (SALVIC), with branches currently being set up in NSW, W.A. and Queensland. For details on any of these please visit the State Groups page.
Can you help??? YES!! Joining SAL at a one-off fee of $33.00 – www.supportact.com.au is a great place to start. Attend our fundraising events – once you are a member you will be advised regularly of upcoming events. Or you can make a gift from the heart and send a donation to Support Act Limited, P.O. Box Q20, QVB Sydney, NSW, 1230.
